About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.

Encouragement for Today - August 1, 2005

Key Verse:Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Dear Mom,

I refuse to accept the fact that I have to do my responsibilities by myself.

Love, Blaire

Yes, that is for real. My daughter was 6 years old at the time she wrote this letter, in protest of doing her responsibilities. I have to admit when I read the letter I cracked up. There was a part of me that was proud of the articulate manner in which she pleaded her case. When I went to her room to discuss the letter, I let her know I appreciated her letter and how it was written, but that the letter had not changed my mind about her responsibilities.

Throughout her life we have tried to teach her that her attitude is almost as important as the task she is completing. Without fail, there is still complaining and arguing. How can we teach our children not to complain and argue about what they are responsible for doing? God gave me the answer. We teach by example. Therefore if we don’t complain, our children will not complain.

Children learn what they see. At this time in my life, the Lord was refining and pruning me in the area of having an attitude of service. I was miserable because my heart was corrupted by a negative attitude toward taking care of my responsibilities. I did not realize how my negativism was affecting my family. It made my heart sad when I saw the effect I was having on my children. I was determined to change my heart and, in the process, pass it on to my entire family.

It is necessary for us to sleep. Don’t overwork yourself. Set a bedtime and do your best to stick to it. A rested heart is a happy heart.

Ask God to give you a happy heart today and to help you complete the day’s tasks without complaining.

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Father, give me a happy heart as I face the long list of things to accomplish. Give me a happy heart when I am interrupted. Give me a happy heart when the list doesn’t get completed. Help me through Your power within to get rid of unhealthy and ungodly habits in my life. Make my sleep restful and complete. Thank You for loving me and always forgiving me of my sins. Quicken Your Spirit in me not to sin against You.

Application Steps:

Make a list of 5 things you often complain about. (Leave a space between each item in your list.)

In the blank space, list something positive you can focus on in that situation.

Make a covenant with God to be positive about your responsibilities.

Date this paper and keep it where you can see it. It will serve as a reminder to you to think positive.

Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your heats and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.” (TLB)

Matthew 16:24, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must take up his cross and follow me.’” (NIV)

About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.